10 Tips to Get Over Your Kitchen Remodel
Almost everyone wants a new kitchen, but few people realize the work and inconvenience that goes into a kitchen remodel. A major remodel can take months and you won’t have access to the room while the work is taking place. While this may be a difficult time, once you have your beautiful new kitchen in place, it will be so worth it!
Here are some tips to help you get through the remodel and into your new kitchen:
1. You will need to install a temporary kitchen in another part of the house. Make sure it is a convenient place with access to water and a space to keep food cold, as well as a place to heat up meals. Sometimes portable appliances like a crock pot or electric skillet and a small refrigerator and microwave in the bedroom work well for a temporary fix if you’re replacing your old appliances.
2. Be sure to really think about how long the job will take. The execution of most jobs takes longer than expected. This can be frustrating for everyone, so it’s in your best interest to set a realistic date and that way you won’t be disappointed.
3. Make sure you know what you are going to reuse. Whether you do some of the work yourself or hire, make sure it’s very clear what’s going to be reused. Cabinets, countertops, and floors can be damaged during a remodel and if you plan to reuse them, this can be a big hassle and expense. Remember to be careful with these reusable items.
4. Be sure to seal the room properly so dust and debris don’t collect all over the house. If you’ve hired someone to do the job, you probably know what to do, but if you’re doing it yourself, invest in plastic sheeting and be sure to secure it around doors as well as possible.
5. Get everything out of the kitchen. Pack up everything that won’t be used in your temporary kitchen. Label the boxes and store them out of the way.
6. Remove anything that is not nailed or screwed. This includes drawers, lazy susans, spice racks, wall clocks, ornaments, etc. Put a protective cover over anything that needs to stay in place while you work.
7. Arrange for the removal of any trash that may accumulate during the remodel. if you must rent a dumpster, rent it in plenty of time or have a van on hand to transport the trash to the landfill. If you plan to salvage old cabinets for a workshop or a donation to charity, have a place ready to take them when you move them out of your work area.
8. Think safety and remember to turn off all utilities before removing any major appliances, turn off all utilities. This can be done at the individual gas and water shutoff valves. If there are no shutoff valves, you will need to shut off the main valve. The main gas valve is usually located near the gas meter. Remember, once you shut off gas to the whole house, ALL pilot lights will need to be turned back on before they will work again. Without careful planning, you may run out of hot water when you’re ready to clean up after a hard day at work.
9. In older homes, the wiring may have been modified over the years and it may not be clear which circuits or fuses control specific areas. If you are not sure, disconnect the main power or seek professional assistance. Never take chances with electricity! Also, tape off the switches so they don’t inadvertently turn on. If you plan to upgrade your electrical system and add new plugs and accessories, it will be necessary to dismantle all existing plugs and accessories.
10. Remove all bulbs. Then, remove each accessory by using a screwdriver to unscrew the plate and receptacle, and remove the receptacle from the box. Attach wire nuts to exposed wires in the meantime. The bare copper wire is the ground connection and does not need to be capped.